In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:1-3
Who is Jesus? The question has been asked many times by people. Even the Savior Himself asked the question “who do men say that I am”. (Matthew 16:13-18)
There are many possible responses to this question. However, the author of Hebrews addresses Jesus’ identity right from the start of the book. Let’s explore what God reveals about His Son and His work through His Holy Word.
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teachingyou received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Today, let us peruse Paul’s final instructions to the church of Thessalonica. Though written centuries ago, these truths are still vital to Christians in the present. May God direct us as we apply these Scriptural lessons to our lives.
“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”
Luke 6:26
In our social media-driven age, the temptation to seek likes, follows, and constant affirmation is stronger than ever. But Jesus warns us about the danger of living for the applause of others. When we compromise our beliefs or water down the truth to gain approval, we risk becoming like the false prophets of old who told people what they wanted to hear rather than God’s truth.
This doesn’t mean we should intentionally be offensive or difficult. As Paul advises, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). However, we must be willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s unpopular or challenges the status quo.
“Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.”
Luke 6:25
The world offers many ways to fill our lives – career success, relationships, entertainment, and more. While these things aren’t inherently bad, they can never truly satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. Jesus, the Bread of Life and Living Water, is the only one who can fill the God-shaped void in our hearts.
We’re reminded of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes, where he pursued every worldly pleasure and achievement, only to find it all “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). True fulfillment comes from seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Seek to be filled with the righteousness of God. It will bring peace and comfort to your soul.
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Principles to help Christians prepare for the Day of the Lord……
**Give thanks for God’s goodness
**Trust God for vengeance
**Trust the Lord to set things right
**Pray earnestly that Christ will be glorified in us
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-17
How do Christians prepare for the coming of the Lord? Paul answers this question in I Thessalonians 5. The principles the apostle gives are not to be taken as exhaustive. Rather, they are reminders of the proper disposition for the Believer as he/she awaits the return of the Savior.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
**God’s Mercy
Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1Timothy 1:13
**God’s Forgiveness
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
Ephesians 1:7-8
**God’s Power
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
**God’s Compassion
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
**God’s Presence
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
**God’s Security
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Tragedy is a fact of life. Living on planet that is dominated by sin and rebellion ensures that tragedy, heartache, and pain will always be with us. Natural disasters and man-made disasters are all too common in our world.
Some tragedies are seen by all and are experienced on an international or national level. Other calamities affect us in our local sphere. Still other tragic circumstances are felt on a very personal and deep level.
How do we respond to tragedy? How are we (as Christians) to respond when loss, death, heartache, and pain strike our country, our family, our church, and our lives? Perhaps these three thoughts will help.
In times of tragedy, the first act the Christian needs to undertake is prayer. We absolutely should pray. We ought to pray for the victims and their families. We should pray that God’s comfort and strength would be felt and realized in their lives.
We should also proceed with caution when dealing those who have suffered a tragedy. Sometimes, our words may cause more harm than good. Spouting platitudes such is “it was God’s will” and “there is a purpose for everything” are not helpful when someone is grieving and in pain. In times of tragedy, people need our presence more than they need our words. We ought to be there for them, cry with them, and love them.
Obviously, I do believe that God has a plan and that Romans 8:28 or Jeremiah 29:11 are true. I do believe that these verses teach essential and eternal principles. I’m merely suggesting that these phrases are not helpful in the time of grief because they imply that people should just “get over” their tragedy. Let’s not make the situation worse than it already is. Instead, let’s love people in and through their grief.
Finally, we must respond with compassion to those who are suffering. We are all sinners and we all need Jesus. Let’s not withhold compassion from someone who is experiencing a tragedy because we may disagree with them. Jesus came and died for us even when we were in sin (Romans 5:8). Let us respond with the same level of compassion as our Savior.
Following these three principles will not make things better overnight. Overcoming tragedy and grief is a painful process that could take years. In the meantime, may we as God’s people commit to helping, serving, and loving those who are suffering and hurting. And as we minister, may we realize that we will need the same type of ministry when tragedy strikes our lives as well.
1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Luke 6:1-5
Many folks have different opinions about the nature and character of Jesus. But what does the Bible reveal about Jesus? Luke 6 reveals important truths about Christ that we need to see. Today, we will explore one of these topics in detail.
**Jesus is the Standard
In a world where the Pharisees and Sadducees believed their interpretations were the ultimate standard, Jesus boldly declared Himself as the true measure of Scriptural hermeneutics. He is the one who defines, fulfills, and perfects the law.
This truth serves as a powerful reminder for us today. How often do we, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, elevate our preferences and traditions to the level of Scripture? We must be cautious not to add to or subtract from God’s Word. Jesus alone is the head of the church, and His Word is our ultimate authority.
mrtonyfrench 